Either way, the ripples of discontent still have a flow-on effect for Seibold, who will have a tough enough job batting after Bradman (or Bennett) without an army of Broncos greats sniping from a distance.

When Wayne Bennett was appointed Brisbane's foundation coach in 1988, millions of proud Queenslanders were hoping their shiny new toy the Broncos would stick it up the arrogant snobs from Sydney.

Kevin Walters and Gorden Tallis are close mates and bleed the maroon of the Broncos.

When Ivan Henjak was named Bennett's successor in 2009, there were raised eyebrows but no furious opposition.

As small as 'Alfie' Langer, you almost wanted to hug pint-sized Ivan.

When Anthony Griffin replaced Henjak in 2011, he was a mystery man to many, which bought 'Hook' time to try to put a premiership stamp on the Broncos.

But Brisbane's poor handling of the Bennett succession plan, coupled with hierarchy's bitter fallout with the super coach over how to manage his exit, has left some terribly unfair turbulence for Seibold.

The Walters snub may linger at Red Hill for some time but ultimately all that matters now is this: can Seibold get the job done?

Ivan Henjak came to the Broncos without any real public opposition.

Critics will point to Seibold's resume and suggest not.

History shows coaches who win premierships in the second tier invariably win titles in the big league.

Bennett won premierships in the Brisbane State League before his glorious reign at Red Hill. Paul Green won two Intrust Super Cup titles before breaking North Queensland's 20-year drought.

Seibold has not won a title at any level, although his superb performance this year in steering Souths to a grand final qualifier is evidence he has the work ethic, tactical guile and intellect to rise to the challenge.

Coaching the Broncos is the ultimate challenge.

One suspects Seibold must win games and friends quickly before the enemy within demands a Red Hill revolution.